Called the Novus award, it is sponsored by Kerry Group, and is focused on promoting science-based excellence and innovation and rewarding high achievement by graduates working across the entire spectrum of agriculture and food.

It is open to graduates who are full or associate members of the ASA at the time of application for the award.

The winner of the 2015 Novus award will be selected by an independent judging panel and he or she will have the opportunity to attend the Harvard Business School Agribusiness seminar which takes place over four days in Boston, USA in January 2016.

Registration and associated costs in attending the seminar will be covered by the award fund, which is valued at €10,000.

Announcing details of the award, ASA president Eoin Lowry said it offers a real opportunity to recognise and develop graduates who are acknowledged by their peers as current or future leaders and role models within the agri-food and bioscience professions.

Stan McCarthy, Kerry Group chief executive, said success in today’s international food industry demands a relentless focus on innovation.

“Technologies, not even dreamt of a decade ago, are now widely impacting developments across the food chain and increasingly Irish graduates are among those leading this evolution and revolution,” he said.

Details on the 2015 Novus award are available on the ASA website www.asaireland.ie and closing date for applications is 1 May 2015.